Tamil Nadu bus strike ends, normalcy restored

The Tamil Nadu government has assured the transporters that it will pay them arrears, India Today reported.

The usual hustle and bustle at the bus stands in Chennai and Coimbatore was seen restored and the commuters expressed delight post the eight-day-long strike. Dhinakaran and the DMK staged a walkout from the Tamil Nadu assembly, saying the MLAs's pay hike was unfair when the transport employees were suffering. Thousands of state transport workers represented by various unions have gone on strike demanding higher pay.

As many as 17 trade unions had launched the indefinite strike since January 4 night, with scores of Tamil Nadu State Transport Corporation (TNSTC) staff joining the protest.

The workers struck work citing other demands also like pending dues for serving and retired personnel. He alleged that the authorities were putting the public at risk by recruiting temporary drivers to operate government buses. "Union representatives view this as a "labour issue" and it is up to the Unions to get involved in talks with the management", the Court observed tersely. "Even state's transport minister M R Vijayabhaskar has also talked to the striking employees".

Approaching the busy Pongal festive period, the number of people travelling by bus increases significantly. However, the bus strike will continue. However, the report points out that the situation in small towns is worse citing an example of a conductor who after 20 years of service earns only Rs. 20, 000 with a basic wage of Rs. 7500.

There are almost 1.4 lakh workers in the TN's transport department who handle around 22,500 buses.

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